Top 5 Best Ad Blockers for Opera Web Browser in 2024

Opera has always been known as a lightweight browser that takes very few resources. Over the years, Opera has maintained its reputation by adding unique and innovative features like a built-in VPN, crypto wallet, messaging integration, and even a built-in ad blocker with a tracker. However, during our testing, we found out that the ad blocker performed poorly even after we turned off acceptable ads and enabled tracker blocking. At the same time, the browser also collects personal information and data to serve you ads. There is clearly a conflict here and that is why if you are a part of its dedicated user base, you might want to switch to a third-party solution that offers stronger ad-blocking, privacy features, customizability, and much more. 

As Opera is a Chromium-based browser, our options here are somewhat limited to the ad blockers that still work with Chrome’s Manifest V3 extension platform. However, some ad blockers offer apps alongside extensions that can deal with these restrictions, and as Opera themselves may be collecting data and tracking you, system or network-level ad blockers should help mitigate some of the damage.

So we’re here to share our top 5 best ad blockers for opera, and briefly discuss what they have to offer, what makes them unique, and why they made it to our list.

Overview of the Top Contenders

Here’s a brief look at the main details, covering pricing, compatibility, and other essential information for our top 5 choices.

All-Round Protection: AdGuard

AdGuard is an easy-to-use, highly customisable, versatile, and feature-packed ad blocker that offers a lot of value for its users. As Opera web browser packs a lot of punch with its features, so does AdGuard. It’s an extensive toolkit for privacy and ad blocking. It has a vast number of filters that block ads, trackers, social media widgets, self-promotion banners, floating videos, social media ads, cookie consent forms and more. And that’s just the free browser extensions. Paid users can use the Windows and macOS apps that offer system-wide protection, HTTPS filtering, and more advanced content-blocking methods. AdGuard utilises DNS-level ad blocking. This allows it to block ads before they even reach your network. This can also significantly improve page load times, reduce data consumption, and enhance privacy on Opera. 

AdGuard’s versatility comes from its great selection of included filters that the user can pick and choose from. But it doesn’t end there as AdGuard also allows users to add their own filters and rules. Users can also maintain an allow-list that can be reversed. AdGuard’s Stealth mode keeps you anonymous online by stopping third-party cookies and trackers from monitoring you. As Opera browser tries to employ an all-in-one solution for web browsing, so does AdGuard, making it an ideal fit.

Features

• DNS-Level Blocking: Blocks ads at the network level, boosting page load speed and privacy.
• Stealth Mode: Protects against tracking by hiding your digital footprint, clearing cookies, and more.
• Customisable Filters: Users can add specific filters and set rules to control ad blocking.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for Opera, Chrome, Safari, Edge, and as a standalone app for broader coverage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive privacy controls and customizability.
• DNS-level blocking boosts performance and privacy.
• Blocks YouTube ads and pop-ups effectively.
• Free version packed with features.

Cons

• A paid licence is required to use the app.
• Limited support options.

High Performing and Most Customisable: uBlock Origin

While uBlock isn’t usually recommended for Chrome anymore due to many users recommending that Google has blocked users from installing and using it, it is still available and fully functional on Opera. While Opera has already adopted Google’s Manifest V3 extension platform, it still intends to support Manifest V2 extensions independently. This is a good sign as it means uBlock Origin will likely be supported by Opera in the foreseeable future. 

uBlock Origin is a powerful, lightweight ad blocker that is known for being free and open source.  It utilises resources efficiently and offers extensive filtering options. Its open nature and community-driven development make it a top choice for users who prefer transparency and control over their ad-blocking experience. 

One of uBlock Origin’s key strengths is its extensive filter list, which is regularly updated and includes community-maintained filters. It also offers dynamic filtering, giving users control over blocking specific elements on a page. Despite its extensive features, uBlock Origin remains lightweight and doesn’t slow down Opera, making it a highly efficient choice.

Features

• Dynamic Filtering: Allows real-time control over content blocking on individual sites.
• Customisable Filters: Users can add or modify filter lists based on personal preferences.
• Efficient Resource Usage: Consumes minimal CPU and memory, maintaining Opera’s performance.
• Privacy Protection: Blocks third-party trackers to keep your browsing data private.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and highly efficient
• Extensive customizability for advanced users
• Free and open-source with a large, active community

Cons

• Can be complex for non-technical users.
• Limited system-wide blocking outside of the browser.

Privacy-Centric: Ghostery

Ghostery is an ideal choice for users who prioritise privacy Unlike many ad blockers that focus solely on removing ads, Ghostery’s primary aim is to block trackers and prevent targeted ads from following you across the web. At the heart of it is its open-source, advanced tracker database, which is regularly updated against new tracking threats and supported by an active community. This comprehensive database categorises and blocks a vast range of trackers, from advertising to analytics and social media trackers, giving users transparency and control.

One of Ghostery’s standout features is Never-Consent. It automatically rejects cookie consent pop-ups and streamlines the browsing experience by reducing interruptions. The user-friendly interface of Ghostery offers quick access to privacy settings and displays your analytics in a clear, visual format, letting you see exactly what Ghostery is blocking in real-time. 

Features

• Advanced Tracker Blocking: Uses a community-maintained tracker list for effective privacy protection.
• Never-Consent: Automatically declines cookie consent requests, reducing pop-up interruptions.
• Privacy Reports: Provides insights on trackers blocked and detailed privacy analytics.
• Open-Source: Ghostery’s code is open-source, allowing for community review and trust.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong privacy protection with real-time tracking reports
• Free and open-source
• User-friendly interface
• Effective at blocking both ads and trackers

Cons

• Limited system-wide ad-blocking
• Poor benchmark results
• Customer support options are limited

Easy to Use: AdBlocker Ultimate

While AdBlocker Ultimate may not be the ultimate ad blocker, it gets the job done with little to no complications. It blocks ads and has a good selection of filters that also help with trackers, pop-ups, social media widgets and other annoyances. It’s particularly effective on media-heavy sites and social media platforms. AdBlocker Ultimate uses code from other open-source ad blockers like AdGuard and uBlock Origin, and it also shares a lot of filters with them.

AdBlocker Ultimate does all this while being an easy-to-use no-nonsense browser extension. But it also gives users the choice to go for a Windows app that offers system-wide ad blocking. With minimal setup required, this tool is ideal for Opera users who prefer straightforward ad-blocking without too many settings to manage.

Features:

• Comprehensive Ad Blocking: Removes all ads, including pop-ups, banners, and video ads.
• Accessible Filters List: There’s a list of filters you can pick and choose from, and it lets you add your own filters too.
• No Acceptable Ads: Blocks all ads by default, without allowing any exceptions.
• Cross-Platform: Compatible with major browsers, including Opera, Chrome, and Firefox.
• Tracker Blocking: Protects user privacy by blocking third-party trackers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple, no-nonsense ad blocking.
• No acceptable ads program, providing full ad removal.
• User-friendly and easy to install.
• Free to use with no hidden costs.

Cons

• Limited customisation for advanced users.
• Does not offer system-wide blocking.

Trusted and Versatile: AdBlock

AdBlock is a well-established ad blocker with a long history, making it a reliable choice for Opera users looking for versatile ad blocking. Originally created for Google Chrome, AdBlock is really effective in blocking ads across a wide range of sites, including YouTube. It provides a good balance between ease of use and basic customisation options, allowing users to block specific elements or whitelist sites with a few clicks.

AdBlock’s “acceptable ads” program, similar to Adblock Plus, allows non-intrusive ads by default, which can be toggled off for a fully ad-free experience. This flexibility makes AdBlock suitable for Opera users who want a reliable ad blocker with a lot of features and customisation options.

Features

• Comprehensive Ad Blocking: Removes various types of ads, including banners, video ads, pop-ups, and social media widgets, on popular browsers.
• Cryptomining Protection: Blocks unauthorised cryptomining scripts that could drain device resources without user permission.
• Privacy Safeguards: Employs filters to block tracking elements, ensuring a private browsing experience free from invasive ads.
• Element Blocking: Gives users the option to manually remove specific elements from a webpage, allowing control over visible content.
• Premium Features: Offers additional tools like distraction control, cookie consent blocking, and custom themes, available for a small monthly fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable ad blocking with good performance
• Easy to set up and use
• Moderate customisation options
• The premium plan is cost-effective
• Can sync between different browsers

Cons

• Acceptable ads are enabled by default.
• Limited advanced features compared to other blockers.

Wrapping Up

Opera is one of the most powerful web browsers available in 2024. And it already includes an ad blocker and a VPN. While the ad blocker does not perform as well as many third-party extensions, just including one makes it a step ahead of the competition. At the same time, it also shows that they are serious about user privacy. 

All the ad blockers we’ve showcased are good and should work better than the included ad blocker that comes with Opera. But the best choice will ultimately depend on your needs. Each of our top picks brings something unique to the table and we’ve tried to lay out some of that so that you can make an educated decision.